Tip Calculator by Country: Split the Bill and the Tip
How much to tip depends on where you are. Pick a country to start from its usual custom, adjust the percentage if you like, and split the total between the group.
These are general customs to start from, not rules. Service charges, local habits and how good the service was all matter, so check the bill first.
Typical tipping customs
| Country | Starting point in the calculator | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 18% | Tipping is expected at restaurants; 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is common. |
| Canada | 15% | Tipping is expected; 15 to 20 percent is common. |
| United Kingdom | 10% | 10 to 12.5 percent is usual, and a service charge is often already on the bill. Check before tipping twice. |
| Ireland | 10% | Around 10 percent at restaurants is common; check for a service charge on the bill. |
| Belgium | 5% | Service is normally included in the price. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is a kind extra, not an obligation. |
| Netherlands | 5% | Service is included. Rounding up or around 5 to 10 percent for good service is common but optional. |
| France | 5% | Service is included by law (service compris). Leaving small change or rounding up is a courtesy. |
| Germany | 10% | Rounding up or about 5 to 10 percent is customary; you usually tell the server the total you want to pay. |
| Spain | 5% | Tipping is modest: rounding up or up to about 10 percent for good restaurant service. |
| Italy | 0% | Tipping is not expected; a cover charge (coperto) or service charge may be on the bill. Rounding up is a courtesy. |
| Portugal | 5% | Optional: rounding up or about 5 to 10 percent for good service. |
| Australia | 0% | Tipping is not expected; around 10 percent for exceptional service is a kind extra. |
| Japan | 0% | Tipping is not expected and can cause confusion. |
Tip first, then split
Add the tip to the bill, then divide. If people ordered very different amounts, share the tip in proportion to what each person had instead of evenly; our guide to splitting tax and tip shows the formula, and how much to tip when splitting the bill covers the etiquette. For itemised bills, use the receipt splitter.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip in Belgium?
Service is normally included in Belgian restaurant prices, so a tip is not required. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is a common courtesy.
Should the tip be split evenly?
If everyone ordered about the same, yes. If orders differ a lot, share the tip in proportion to what each person ordered.